Akasa Air has taken delivery of its first purpose-built Boeing 737 Max 8-200. The aircraft, registered VT-YBH, arrived in Bengaluru on December 10, becoming the 31st Boeing 737-8 Max to join the fleet. Until now, Akasa Air’s entire fleet comprised Boeing 737 Max aircraft originally produced for other carriers but not delivered. Inducting these helped the airline secure quick deliveries with minimal waiting time. The latest aircraft, however, is the first to be built from scratch to Akasa’s specifications. Since its inception, Akasa Air has placed a firm order of 226 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines.
Built to Specification
The 737 Max 8-200 is a high-density variant designed for low-cost carriers, featuring additional emergency exits that allow seating for up to 200 passengers. The latest aircraft delivered to Akasa Air is equipped with 197 Safran Z200 Slimline seats offering a four-inch recline and a contoured backrest. Each seat also includes both USB-C and USB-A charging ports that will enable passengers charge their devices on the go. Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO of Akasa Air, said the new induction reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to service excellence. “Every addition to our fleet represents much more than capacity; it reflects our ongoing promise to offer the highest levels of service—comfortable, modern and uniquely warm,” he said.
Fleet Expansion and Commitment to Comfort
Akasa Air currently operates three cabin configurations across its Boeing 737 Max 8 fleet: the standard 189-seat all-economy layout, a dual-class version with 177 economy seats and eight business class seats, and the high-density Max 8-200 variant. With the arrival of VT-YBH, the airline now has seven Max 8-200s in its network.